As the holiday season approaches, Dec. 1 marks Giving Tuesday, an official day of global generosity. Established in 2012, Giving Tuesday encourages individuals to make donations on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving.

Here are some local nonprofits in the Lake Travis-Westlake area and beyond to make donations to.

This list is noncomprehensive.

Art

The Bee Cave Arts Foundation

The Bee Cave Arts Foundation is a local nonprofit organization aiming to improve the quality of life in the Bee Cave community by bringing art to public spaces. Since its inception ten years ago, the foundation has built the Bee Cave Sculpture Park, hosted student art exhibits and more. The Bee Cave Arts Foundation is gearing up to host its first outdoor light installation, Buzzfest, which will be held starting Dec. 17.

512-522-9467

www.beecavearts.org

Children

Eanes Education Foundation

The Eanes Education Foundation’s mission is to seek financial support for Eanes ISD to help fund teacher and staff positions and sustain district programs. Donations can be made online.

512-732-9065

www.eaneseducationfoundation.org

512-737-2329

www.fosteranglesctx.org

The Lake Travis Education Foundation supports enrichment programs and initiatives for all grade levels at Lake Travis ISD. The nonprofit organization also funds scholarships for graduating seniors. Donations can be made online.

512-533-5968

www.lteducationfoundation.org

The Leander Education Excellence Foundation is dedicated to enriching the educational experience for students and teachers at Leander ISD. This Giving Tuesday, the nonprofit organization will match the donation of its first 50 new donors.

512-570-0027

www.leeftx.org

Environment

Hill Country Conservancy

Hill Country Conservancy works to protect critical habitats, provide recreational access and promote conservation throughout the Greater Austin area, according to the organization’s website. The nonprofit organization will celebrate its 20th anniversary in December.

512-328-2481

www.hillcountryconservancy.org

Neighbors in need

Central Texas Food Bank is the largest hunger-relief charity in Central Texas, and the 501(c)(3) nonprofit has seen a dramatic increase in need since March, when the pandemic began locally. Donations of any amount can be made online, and $100 can help create 400 meals, according to the organization’s website. Individuals can also sign up to volunteer in the community kitchen, warehouse or at a mobile food pantry.

512-282-2111

www.centraltexasfoodbank.org

Ladies of Charity Lake Travis Thrift Shop, part of the Saint Vincent de Paul charities, sells donated clothing, housewares, linens, toys and more. Established in 1991, the Lake Travis Thrift Shop is the largest provider of aid within the Lake Travis ISD region, with proceeds supporting over 25 grassroots charities, according to the organization. Items can be donated at the shop’s location, and individuals can make monetary donations online.

512-263-0314

www.laketravisthrift.com

Lake Travis Crisis Ministries is an ecumenical organization aimed at helping in-need individuals by providing food, financial aid and other forms of support to those living within the boundaries of Lake Travis ISD. The organization has remained open during the coronavirus pandemic and has received many requests for financial assistance, according to LTCM. While in-person volunteer service is suspended, individuals can make online donations.

512-266-9810

www.ltcrisisministries.org

Partners in Hope is a Lake Travis ministry that connects people who desire physical, emotional and spiritual help with people who will help. Unlike ministries that organize a crisis response to a housing emergency, Partners in Hope helps families by working to improve living conditions, walking through a season of life and empowering them to transform over time.

15104 N. Flamingo Drive, Austin

512-751-5877

www.partnersinhopelaketravis.org